Facebook App Update: Videos Experience Enhanced On iOS And Android

Facebook has rolled out several new features aimed at improving the video experience on its mobile application. The new features for a better video viewing experience include the automatic playing of sound with auto-play videos, portrait mode for viewing videos and watching videos while scrolling.

The social media giant has been testing this new feature of playing sound along with auto-play videos and it has received a positive response so far. With the new feature, the sound fades in as soon as the user reaches the video and then it fades out as the reader scrolls past the video. Though this update by Facebook has improved functionality, it might not be welcomed by all.

Facebook promises that the feature will not work when the device is in silent/vibration mode. It is also possible to disable the option by switching off "Videos in News Feed Start With Sound" in Settings. Facebook users watch more videos on phone and they expect sound with the video when the volume on the devices is turned on, reported ZDNet.

The new update for Facebook videos brings significant changes to make vertical videos look better on its mobile application. A larger preview of vertical videos is now available for everyone watching videos on Facebook's iOS and Android application.

The Facebook app update also enhances multitasking and lets the users minimize the video they are watching while browsing other stories in the Facebook News Feed. Moreover, users can drag a video to any corner of the screen while browsing the News Feed. Android users get more love as they can keep the video playing even after exiting the Facebook app.

Facebook has also launched a new Facebook Video app for TV platforms. With this application, users can stream Facebook videos to their TVs such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and other smart TVs, reported BBC.

In the new update, Facebook users can watch the videos shared by their friends or on the pages they follow. The videos can be added to a "watch later list" and users can watch them later. This feature will rival the YouTube app.